Well, as I do every year, I forgot about EUCantina's birthday. The 15th of last month marked four years of EUCantina as a website (it existed for a year before that as a forum hosted on some free forum hosting site with 20 members, but the 15th was when EUCantina.net was launched). It's pretty unbelievable to me. It doesn't feel like four years at all. But, I rarely get to thank people for what they've contributed to this site, and I felt that a post to the most important, loyal participants of EUC would be nice.

So, first, if there's anyone we should be thanking, it's Andrew Lupi. Andrew is the official founder of EUC. He created the original forums and somehow got people interested. He did the hard work of turning nothing into something. I wouldn't know any of you without Andrew. I joined the forums as a member in July 2007, with no plans to become more involved than posting a few times. I was very involved in the StarWars.com Blogs, and one day I found this entry from Andrew. You can see my comment saying that I would join. Honestly, I was just being nice and trying to support another blogger by joining their forum.

Thanks to Aush (Lawrence) for acting as one of the "big three" of EUC for several years. He was the third admin (and EUCast host) and we couldn't have gotten far without him.

Thanks to everyone who has ever served as a staff member for EUC or the forums. I especially thank Ted and William for their tireless work on the design, as well as all of our current staff for putting up with me and for all that they do.

A big salute to Darth Skuldren and Salaris Vorn. They were original forum members and joined this incarnation as soon as it was online in Feb. 2007. But aside from that, they've acted as our only moderators, ever. Other staff members have mod powers, but these two guys are have held the actual mod title this entire time. Thank you for your service, gentlemen.

And of course, I have to thank all of you. Every member of the forums has contributed. I've known some of you for four years now. Isn't that remarkable? I have a few special folks I want to recognize, though.

Members who have been with us since the first year of the forums and have remained active the entire time: Reepicheep, Mara Jade Skywalker, Comanderbly, Caedus_16, and kurtdc.

Also some of our most well-known members who have created so many memories in our chat box (some are sadly no longer active): Queen Padme Skywalker, SwordoftheJedi, Jedi Joe, illogicalRogue2, Life Is The Path, and yes, even Darth Elmo.

It's been incredible. I still can't believe how many people have supported us, and all that we've accomplished through your support. Here's to many more years.

And if you want, please post your favorite EUC memory below. I'd personally appreciate the opportunity to recall some of our good times.

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 11:08 am

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Caedus_16Master

Joined: 15 Apr 2008Posts: 5226Location: Korriban

When I first joined it was because I was impatient waiting for the bloody final LotF novel to come out. I had just gotten caught up and was so excited. You guys actually made it fun though as my other friends and even my girlfriend didn't get my Star Wars love (she was supportive though, may the relationship R.I.P.). I think without you guys I wouldn't have as much fun as I do. Its a good part of my day and on bad days its the BEST part of my day. You guys are the best. Happy B-day EUC._________________Perfection is a lifelong pursuit requiring sacrifice. The only way to get it quicker is to sacrifice the most.

Darth Elmo! I remember watching over Mara's shoulder the first time he appeared. So hilarious!

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 11:44 am

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ReepicheepMaster

Joined: 05 Feb 2008Posts: 7613Location: Sailing into the unknown

I don't remember how or why I signed up for this site. I loved Star Wars but I'm not sure why I picked this one. However, I'm sure glad I did.

I'm pretty sure my interest in Star Wars would have waned if not for this site. It always would hold a special place in my heart but I'm not sure if I would eagerly anticipate, read and review every novel that comes out as I do now.

Thanks for the memories, guys. _________________
Where sky and water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet,
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find all you seek,
There is the utter east.

Wow. Four years? You know, I'd read an article that said a lot of websites, and forums in particular, die after four or five years. Well, I know I've not been here that long, but in my short tenure here I've only seen it grow far stronger, and - more - powerful. Yes, I recited that in my Palpatine voice.

I joined through the podcasts. At first I listened to EUReview, and then, when I read Order 66, I saw an EUCast episode talking about Etain, and listened to it. I've been hooked ever since. I signed up and waited for my acceptance email. None came. So I signed up again under 'Buckethead'. Again, none came. I thought nothing of it. Though when an email of mine was read out on EUCast I sent an email Austin's way and he quickly rectified it!

I remember one of my earliest memories (which is a shock in itself) on here was in the Chat, late at night. It was around Hallowe'en, and I was talking about toothpaste made of fingernails, or something. Really, I've had a lot of fun on here. Too many memories I can recount!

So: Happy Birthday, EUC! Here's to many more!_________________I am a Star Wars fan. That doesn't mean that I hate or love Jar Jar. That doesn't mean I hate or love Lucas, or agree or disagree 100% with him. That doesn't mean I prefer the PT over the OT, or vice versa. That doesn't mean I hate the EU, or even love all of it (or even read all of it). These are not prerequisites. Being a man is not a prerequisite. Being a geek is not a prerequisite. The only prerequisite is that I love something about Star Wars. I am a Star Wars fan.

I thanked our current staff. I'll mention everyone who has ever helped us by name when we hit five years.

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 2:04 pm

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Lord Ree'diusMaster

Joined: 11 Apr 2011Posts: 700Location: The Unknown Regions

Well, congratulations to the EUCantina, OMB and the rest of the staff and heck, to all the members too!
Bartender, a round of drinks for everyone! _________________"Strong you are with the dark side, young one. But not that strong.
Still much to learn, you have. Surrender, you should."

"You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."

I still recall that one night in Singapore when Andrew smuggled me through customs to get me into the Cantina through the back door. All to learn Austin had left the front door wide open for us and we had no need to fight through 25 Very Drunk and barley intelligent Gamoreans.

Alas, the things you learn while working the job.

Like why he who shall not be named earned his title He Who Shall Not Be named. _________________-Bring on your thousands, one at a time or all in a rush. I don't give a damn. None shall pass.
-
-To become a Jedi, it is not the Force one must learn to control but oneself.
-
-Podcasts: Star Wars Beyond the Films, The Star Wars Report, & EUCast

Is it because no one could pronounce it properly? I heard two men scoffing at a couple of kids, the other day, because they were pronouncing 'Voldemort' with a pronounced T on the end. 'When, clearly, Biff,' one man said, 'it's obviously Voldemor.' _________________I am a Star Wars fan. That doesn't mean that I hate or love Jar Jar. That doesn't mean I hate or love Lucas, or agree or disagree 100% with him. That doesn't mean I prefer the PT over the OT, or vice versa. That doesn't mean I hate the EU, or even love all of it (or even read all of it). These are not prerequisites. Being a man is not a prerequisite. Being a geek is not a prerequisite. The only prerequisite is that I love something about Star Wars. I am a Star Wars fan.

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:11 am

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comanderblyMaster

Joined: 29 Feb 2008Posts: 745Location: Denver

Wow four years! That's awesome. One of the things that keeps me coming back is that everyone here has a good nature. We are all really different and have different backgrounds - but that never gets in the way of the discussions. Its nice to not be looking over your shoulder everytime you post something. Well except if you are looking out for Darth Elmo....

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:38 am

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Darth SkuldrenModerator

Joined: 04 Feb 2008Posts: 6844Location: Missouri

Well if it wasn't for Andrew and EUC, I might not have ever ended up on a Star Wars forum. I started out as a blogger on starwars.com, got recruited by Andrew, and discovered the awesomeness of being with other Star Wars fans. There's nothing like a good Star Wars community. _________________
"I believe toys resonate with us as humans, we can hold them them, it's tactile, real! They are totems for our extended beliefs and imaginations. A fetish for ideas that hold as much interest and passion as old religious relics for some. We display them in our homes. They show who we are. They are signals for similar thinking people. A way we connect with each other...and I guess thats why I do toys. That connection." -Ashley Wood

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 2:13 pm

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Jedi Master SkidKnight

Joined: 26 Jun 2011Posts: 251Location: Blackpool, England

I know I am new here but here is to another four more years and then some._________________

Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 4:40 pm

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darthrevan1Knight

Joined: 18 Nov 2011Posts: 455

I know Im new here but Happy Birthday._________________"You see that I was right, now, dont you?. The truth is written in blood"